Overview
An overbite is a common dental condition where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth vertically when the mouth is closed. It can affect both appearance and oral function, sometimes leading to issues like jaw pain or tooth wear. In Korea, advanced orthodontic treatments and dental care are widely available to correct overbite and improve dental health.
What is Overbite?
Overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth. A normal overbite allows the upper teeth to slightly cover the lower teeth, but when this overlap is too pronounced, it is considered a malocclusion. Overbites can be classified as dental (due to tooth alignment) or skeletal (due to jawbone discrepancies).
Symptoms
Symptoms and signs of an overbite may include:
- Noticeable protrusion of upper front teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Jaw discomfort or pain
- Speech difficulties in severe cases
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease due to misalignment
Causes
Overbite can result from multiple factors, including:
- Genetic predisposition and jawbone development
- Childhood habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
- Tongue thrusting or mouth breathing
- Poor dental restorations or missing teeth
Risk Factors
Risk factors include:
- Family history of malocclusion
- Childhood habits affecting dental development
- Early loss of primary (baby) teeth
- Certain medical conditions affecting facial muscles or nerves
Complications
If untreated, an overbite can lead to:
- Excessive wear of lower teeth
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders causing jaw pain and headaches
- Speech impediments
- Increased risk of dental trauma or injury
Prevention
Preventive measures focus on early dental care:
- Avoiding prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Regular dental check-ups during childhood
- Early orthodontic evaluation to detect and correct misalignments
Treatment Options in Korea
In Korea, overbite treatment involves:
- Orthodontic appliances: Braces or clear aligners to gradually correct tooth and jaw alignment
- Orthognathic surgery: For severe skeletal overbites, jaw surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaws
- Myofunctional therapy: Exercises to correct tongue posture and swallowing patterns
- Early intervention: Pediatric orthodontics to address developing malocclusions
- Comprehensive dental care: Combined orthodontic and restorative treatments for optimal results
Korean dental clinics use state-of-the-art technologies such as 3D imaging and digital orthodontics to provide precise diagnosis and effective, personalized treatment for overbite correction.
